Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 731, Almon Dunston, Va.

SERVICE
Wa
Dunston, Almon Alice
NUMBER
W. 731 B.L. 12729-160-55
CONTENTS
[Lined area for contents entry]
[Lined area for contents entry]

Lt to E. Broadus, July 29 '43.
12. 706. Virginia
Alman Dunston of Norfolk in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Tatham of the Regiment commanded by Col. Nelson in the War for two years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March,th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of May 33 and sent to Charles Hatcher. Norfolk. Va.
Arrears to the 4,th of March 33 164.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4,lepts 33. 40.00
$200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. Palmer. Clerk, Book E. Vol. six Page 0

101.800 March 8/55 April 29/55
Misses Dunston, W.P. Almond Dunston, Secy
Rev War
Private Va State Line
Pensions
Va Sep 53-1836
Ad. 16 Dacs Dec. 12/55
1791 (Dodge)
K. Saunders Shackelford Va
Vol. D. 153.

No. 1336.
Restoration
np
Virginia
Alice Dunston widow of Almon Dunston
Va Line who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Richmond
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80. dollars 66 2/3 cents per annum, to commence on to commence on the 3d February, 1853. the 4th of March 1861
Certificate of Pension issued 12th day of November 67. and sent to
J. P. Bristow Saluda Va.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under February 3, 1853, Page 152 Vol. 76.

Allman Danton's Decl: for a pension 1833 July 4th entered

State of Virginia
Gloucester County ss
On this fourth day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared before the Justices of the County aforesaid in open Court (being a Court of record for the said County of Gloucester) Allan Dunston a resident of said County aged Seventy years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7. th 1832 — That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1777 (the day and month he does not recollect) with Captain Philip Taliaferro of the Second Virginia State Regiment of the State line commanded by Col. William Nelson — That he served out the term of his enlistment as follows viz; under Col. Nelson about one year and the balance of the term being two years) he served under Col. Brent, the command of the said Regiment being transferred to him — That Cap t Taliaferro having resigned, Lieut. Machen Rosewell was appointed Cap t of the Company under whom the said Dunston served two years making three years the term for which he enlisted as aforesaid. That he was a resident of the said County at the time of his enlistment. That he was engaged in the Battle of Dowles Hook, near mouth Courthouse, and several skirmishes to the north.
That after he served out the said term of three years, he again entered entered the Army as a substitute and served about eighteen months in that capacity to the south and until the end of the War, when he was honorably discharged.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state or (if any

only on that of the agency of Virginia
James Madison
Almon D. Dinsmore
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
and the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states
I. Arthur L. Davies Clerk of the Court of Gloucester County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Almon Dinsmore for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Eighteenth day of March 1833 in the 57 th Year of the Commonwealth —
Arthur L. Davies C. C. C.

Alma Mater 23072 D. A.
Full
Signature
J. A. Edwards Pension Office Washington City D. C.

Alice Dunston indw. of Almon Dunston. Act 3 d February 1853
Mayo 1853
Jus. Bristow atty Saluda Va.

State of Virginia } 355 County of Gloucester }
On this 4 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before The County Court of Gloucester Alice Dunston a resident of Virginia in the County of Gloucester, aged 57 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 3 rd of February 1833, that she is the widow of Almon Dunston who was a pensioner, under the act of Congress passed 7 th of June 1832 of eighty Dollars per annum which it is believed he drew at Richmond where as he lived in Gloucester County Va as will be seen by reference to the papers on file at the Pension office. She further declares that she was married to the said Almon Dunston in Gloucester County Virginia on the 17 th day of December in the year eighteen hundred and fourteen and that he died on the 20 th of January 1837. That she was not married to him prior to the 2 nd of Jan 1800 at the time above stated. She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act, and is still a widow, and that she has never before made application for a pension. Alice Dunston her Mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written in Open Court before the presiding Justice thereof
Thos A. Scott Pres. J.
State of Virginia } 356 Gloucester County } to wit:
I John R. Carg Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid do certify that William Stewart Esquire whose name

is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit & accompanying declaration, was at the time of subscribing the same presiding Justice of the said Court and that the same was done in open Court on the 4 th day of April 1853.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name as clerk aforesaid and affixed the seal of the said Court this 4 th day of April 1853 in the 77 th year of the Commonwealth John R. Cary C. Clerk

In Gloucester County Court Apr 2 nd 1833
The Court doth Certify That Satisfactory proof has been adduced to prove That Alice otherwise called Eley Dunston is the widow of Almon Dunston dec d who was a pensioner under the act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832 and that the parties were legally married on the 17 th day of Dec r 1814 as stated by the former declaration this day made in copy by the  the  Almon Dunston as also appears by the accompanying record kept by the family of said Dunston and said to be in the hand writing of the dec d pensioner.
That the said
A copy
Jas John R. Barry C. Cur.
State of Virginia } County of Gloucester } ss
On this day of 1853 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid Wm Bristow who being duly sworn according to law declares that Almon Dunston & Alice or Eley Bristow was married in Gloucester County Va. on the 17 th day of Dec r 1814, that he was present & saw the ceremony performed, and he is a disinterested witness -
his Wm Bristow mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day & year above written and I certify that Mr Bristow is a credible witness and his name interlined in Certificate before acknowledged
for the cause

Know all men by these presents That that I Alice Dunston resident of the County of Gloucester and State of Virginia do hereby select ordain, con- stitute, and irrevocably appoint James S. Bristow of Middlesex County Virginia my true and lawful agent and attorney for me and in my name place and stead to examine enter, prosecute, file and defend before the proper department of Government or other Tribunal any claim or pension in which I may be interestingly interested of the act of Congress passed 3 d day of February 1853
Further empowering said agent and attorney to to apply for and receive any money or bounty land pension, or pension claim or other dues of any kind to  to  to that may be found due me by virtue of said act as widow of my deceased husband Almon Dunston. And further empow- ering said agent and attorney, and authorizing him to receipt therefor, and give full and free acqui- tance thereof in his name, as agent and attorney in fact but all for my benefit and behoof, hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever said agent or attorney may lawfully do and in these premises specified as though I were pre- sent personally and acting for myself Binding my legal representative to comply with and ful- ly carry out, and complete any obligation so made between me and my said agent or attorney. In virtue whereof I hereunto affix my hand and seal this 2 th day of April 1853 Witness B. P. Hall for  for Alice for Dunston for for the M. H. Haynes mark
On this 2 nd day of April 1853 personally appeared Alice Dunston whose name is subscribed to the above power of attorney, and being duly questioned acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed as specified
Wm A. Leavitt 119

State of Virginia, County of Gloucester to wit Be it known, that on this 3 rd day of April A.D. 1855, before me Warner T. Robins a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State above named, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Alice Duviston, a resident of the County of Gloucester in the State of Virginia aged about sixty three Years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath disclose that she is the widow of Almond Duviston deceased who was a private in the War of the Revolution; The identical person who received a Pension of eighty dollars per annum during his life; and that she the said Alice Duviston is the identical person, who is now receiving a Pension of eighty dollars per annum under the act of Congress of the 3 rd of February, 1855, as the widow of the said Almond Duviston: She makes this decl- aration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she is entitled under the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of March, 1855. She never having received, nor applied for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress before. She hereby constitutes and appoints Richard Saucier her agent and attorney, to prosecute her claim, and receive the warrant.
Alice her Duviston (Seal) Mark
Sworn to described , and acknowledged, on the day and date first above mentioned; and I certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Alice Duviston, and know her to be now a widow and the identical person she represents herself

to be. I further Certify that I have no interest whatever either direct or remote in the claim now to be obtained
Warner P Roane J.P.
208 1/2
We Edwin Broadus and Virginia Broadus residents of the County of Gloucester in the State aforesaid humbly declare upon our oaths that we are personally acquainted with Mrs Alice Dunston above named and know her to be the widow of Almond Dunston who was, at the time of his death, a Revolutionary Pensioner; We further declare that the said Alice Dunston is the legal person who now receives a pension as the widow of the said Almond Dun- ston. We further declare that the foregoing declar- ation of the said Alice Dunston, was signed, acknow- ledged, and sworn to by her in our presence, and that we have no interest in the claim now to be obtained. We further declare that the above parties were lawfully married.
Edwin Broadus +
Virginia H. Broadus +
The above affidavit of Edwin Broadus and Virginia H. Broadus was sworn and subscribed to on the day and year first before mentioned before me, and I Certify that the said Edwin and Virginia H. Broadus are residents of the said County of Gloucester and are respectable and credible persons.
Warner P Roane J.P.

State of Virginia Gloucester County } ss } I know
I John R. Cary Clerk of the court of the County aforesaid do Certify that Warner P. Roane esq. before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, was at the time of subscribing the same, a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature there- to is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name as clerk afore- said and affixed the Seal of the said County this 11 th day of April 1805 in the 79 th year of the common- wealth
John R. Cary Clerk

23672
Alman Dunston Va.
12.706
Look at the State role - on roles
Adm 2 years from 1777
Charles Hatcher Norfolk Va

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjouined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of
Alman Dunsdon
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     State line 70 entered at Conestoga Co. Pa   1777 under - 1 First of Penna Key Stone Battery and now lives there   1778 - 2 6th Penna Key Stone Battery   again entered as a Substitute and served about. 1 6 No witness of any kind  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be                      years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?  { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [e] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Ring
WIDOW, &c.
am
File No. 731
Alice Dunstan,
Widow
Almon Dunston,
Priv. Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 3, 1853.
Index: Vol. A , Page 198
[Arrangement of 1870.]

5 12/29
J New Camp

John P. Branton, Nov 11/58
1336
Virginia Richmond Alice Gunton widow of Almon
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1815.
3 rd February 1833
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of Aug 1883 and sent to
Jas. S. Branton Saluda Middlesex Co Va
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 1815 Page 122 Vol. A
3 February 1833
1833

No 1238
Alice Dunton widow of Almon N/a
Lot to Jas. S. Burston 30" June 1853
Act H. day 3/03

May 4. 1858
App d of Alice 1238 Dunston widow of Almon
W. + 32
12706
Act 3 d Feb y 1853 $80. 00 per Annum commencing Feb y 3 d 1853.
Jas S. Bristow Saluda Middlesex Virg a
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL SUPPLIES

Pension Office, 30 th July, 1853.
Sir,
Be pleased to inform me to what time the within named pensioner was paid, or the date of his death.
I am Sir,
Respectfully your obedt. Servt.
J. Call
for the commission, Almon Dunsdon, act 1832 Died 20 th Jany. 1837, and paid to his death.
F. Burt Auditor.
Francis Burt Esq. This Auditor of the Treasury, }

Minutes taken at the several Conferences of the M c E Church of Amer- ica for 1796.

June 1 '98
Papers Drawn
March 28 '98 & placed on Chief's desk for ex by newspaper man & others. Upon return papers as follows (minutes taken at the several Conference of ME Church for 1796) Mississippi      Brody

Salina Va July 25 th
Pad 69
Commision - of Pensylvania
1853 Seaborn
John B. Hite
Washington Le
Charles Franklin

Recd 69
St. Louis Mo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
Yours 1853
Salem Pa July 25th

Alice Dunston widow of Simon Dunston pensioner for Revolu- tionary services -
Act of 3. Feby. 53
additional proof of marriage & widow- hood -
J. Bristow Atty.
Saluda. Ve

State of Virginia } County of Gloucester } 55
On this 12 th day of July 1853 personally appear- ed before me a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Lucy Solis aged 65 years and Jane Coats aged 89 years, both residents of the County of Gloucester in the State of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law declare that Alice otherwise called Ely Dun- ston is the widow of the identical Almon Dunston who was a pensioner from the County of Gloucester State of Virginia for services in the Revolutionary War in the Virginia Militia or Continental Service. That the said Alice Dun- ston before her marriage aforesaid was Alice or Ely Brister that she was married to the said Almon Dunston decd. in Gloucester County Va. about the 17 th day of Dec r 1814, & the said Al- mon died in Gloucester County Va. about the 20 th day of January 1837, and that she is still his wi- dow, never having since been married. The said Lucy Solis being present saw the marriage cere- mony performed and both knew them to live to- gether during the lifetime of the said husband as hus- band & wife, & were so reputed. And they are dis- interested witnesses.
Lucy X Solis Jane X Coats
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 12 th day of July a year above written and I certify that Lucy Solis & Jane Coats are credible witnesses and I have no interest in the prosecution of Warner P. Roane S.P. on this claim.

State of Virginia } Gloucester County } to wit
I John R. Cary clerk of the court of the County aforesaid do certify that Warner Roane esq. before whom the within declaration and affidavits were made, was at the time of subscribing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified as such his signature thereto is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name as clerk aforesaid and affixed the seal of the said court this 15 th day of July 1853 in the 78 th year of the commonwealth
John R. Cary Clerk

Saluda Va Nov r 3 d 1856.
Comt. Pension,
Sir,
At the request of Alice Dunston (widow of Almon Dunston deceased a soldier of the war of the Revolution,) and a pensioner of the United States, under the act 3 d Feby 1853. I desire to be informed, if it will be necessary to bring her case before the Court of Claims in order to recover the arrears of pension which it is believed she is entitled to, from a fair construction of the act aforesaid, according to the recent decision of the said Court? Her certificate of pension bears date the 16 th day of August 1853. at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum from the 3 d Feby 1853; and according to the decision aforesaid, which I understand has been approved by the President, and the money paid, she would be entitled from the 4 th March 1848. to the 3 d Feby 1853. a period of 4 years & 11 months, now in arrears. I am not informed as to the manner of proceedings in such cases, and therefore throw myself upon your indulgence for the necessary information - Any instructions which you may feel disposed to give, will be thankfully received by y r Mo st Servt.
W m P. Brown.

Brief in the case of Alice Dymston, widow of Almon, Gloucester County and State of Virginia, act 3 d Feb y , 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Insurance was a pension, under the Act of June, 1832, Record evidence of parole proof of marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Jas. S. Bristow Esq., Saluda, Middlesex, Va;
Name and residence of Agent
S. C. Boynton, Examining Clerk.

Shackelford Va April 22 nd
Have
Judge L. P. Waldo
Commission of Pensions Washington City
MS. B. 1. 1. 1

101.800
W. Washington City Columbia, D.C.
Dear Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the kindly words and Yours truly yours

1888 Near Shurafords, King & Linn Co, Va, April 21
Hon. G. P. Waldo Sir
You will find enclosed the declaration of Alice Dunston widow of Almond Dunston, a Revolu- tionary soldier, & Pensioner, claiming the Bounty Land to which she, as the widow of said Almond Dunston is entitled under the act of Congress of 3 rd March, last
Very Respectfully Yr. obedient servant J. B.

Sir
Pension Office Augo 18. (86)
I have examined & suspended the claim for arrears of pension in the case of Alice Dunston, deceased.
It is not satisfactory to show that the man loyal & did not sympathize with the rebels. or that she remained a widow. The arrear of pension can only be paid to her legal heirs who have proved their loyalty. There is no evidence to show that they have been loyal. It is not sufficient to say that parties have been loyal. it must be clearly shown.
R
Mrs P. Britton Saluda Va
COE. ~ R 46

Saluda S.C. June 11 th 1867
Cont- Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir
I herewith enclose the Declaration of the adm t of Mrs Alice Dunston dec d , the Original Certificate of Pension granted to her as the widow of her husband Almond Dunston - The proof of hership and A power of Attorney to me to prosecute their claim to arrearages of pension -
Please let me hear from you at your earliest leisure -
Respectfully
J. P. Benlow
^

Payment to be made at
by
Richmond F. M. Lawson
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Virginia
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 122 , Vol. A.
Clerk.
M. C. Meigs

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Alice Dunston
widow of Almon Dunston who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars and eighty three cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this Sixteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
Thomas C. Bell
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions.

Restoration Brief in the Case of Alice Dunston Widow of Almon Gloucester County and State of Virginia - 2 o Sec Act Feb 3. 1853.
1336
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
A suspended pension roll reckoned at $80.00 per annum paid March 4. 1861. Certificate returned.
Claim is made by Adm. for Arrears of pension due to date of death April 18. 1865. Identity, loyalty & Widowhood shown. Proof of death & app of Adm.
Returned Nov 6. 1867 to a pension at $80.00 per annum commencing March 4. 1861 & terminating April 18. 1865 payable to R. B. Bristow Adm.
Name and residence of Agent.
Jno P Bristow Saluda
Va.
W E Trask Examining Clerk.

Alice Denson's heir
Is
J. P. Brister
Power of Attorney

Know all men by these presents That we W m  Daniel and Mary Ann his wife and Alice Dunston of the County of Gloucester and State of Virginia have made con- stituted and appointed and by these presents do make consti- tute and appoint Mr. R. Bowton of the County of Middlesex and State aforesaid, our true and lawful Attorney for us and in our names, place and stead, to ask demand sue for recover and receive all arrearages of Pension due to Alice Dunston dec d at the time of her death, from the United States Government she having been a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of Congress of the 3 rd Feb y 1853. at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum - Giving and granting unto our said Attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as we might or could do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do, or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 25 th day of February 1867-
W m  his  Daniel (seal)
Mark Mary Ann his  Dunston (seal)
Alice his  Dunston (seal)
Sealed and delivered in the presence of
H. G. Gouth
J. A. Saps

State of Virginia County of Gloucester ss
Be it known that on the 25 th day of February 1867 before the Subscribers a justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared W m Dar rel and Mary Ann Dar rel his wife and Alice Danson within named and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be their act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above mentioned.
Matthew Glenn J.P.
State of Virginia County of Gloucester ss to wit.
I John R. Cary Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Matthew Glenn Esq. before whom the foregoing power of attorney was acknowledged is now and was at the time of subscribing the same a justice of the peace in and for the said County and State after duly Commissioned and qualified and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name as clerk of the Court and affixed the seal of the said County this 28 th day of February 1867 in the 91 st year of the Commonwealth J. R. Cary C. Clerk

Urbana Va July 1843
Edwin Broadus
Asks information as to the mode of procuring pen- sion under the Act of July 7. '38
B. 201.
28 July, 1843 Pension Office
Almond Dunstan VA
12706
Hon. P.
W. A. Smith Secy 28 July 1843
Washington
Secretary of War
46

Not arrived yet } 25th July 1843 }
Alma Mater N.C. 12706 Oxford
Washington Secy of War
28 July, 1843 Pension Office
B. 261.
Edw. Brecklin Asks information as to the mode of procuring proof now under the Act of July 7 '38
W. Lawrence V. July 1843

Gloucester County Va July
1843
Dear Sir
There lives near me a Mrs Alice Dunston the Widow of Almond Dunston a Revolutionary Soldier and a pensioner during the latter part of his life - Mrs Dunston has applied to me to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed in 1838 granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows - her husband died in Dec 1835 - on Jan'y or Feby 1836 - and rec d a pension of $80 pr annum for several years previous to his death - from the time he rec d the first semi annual payment to the day of his death he resided in this County - and his widow still resides in this county - she has never received any thing as yet since the death of her husband - I have promised her to use my utmost endeavours to get the pension she is entitled to without fee or reward but am ignorant of the necessary forms to be observed in the certificates to be obtained nor what is necessary to prove or where it ought to be proven to obtain the pension - and will thank you most heartily to give me the wished for information & if it will not be too much trouble - send me the exact forms to be observed - I can prove by living witnesses that Alice Dunston is in fact the widow of Almond Dunston Dec d & that he was a pensioner - but under what officer he served how many battles he was in when he entered the service - at what particular date he entered the service or when he came out of it I can not prove - nor is there in the possession of his widow any thing to shew that he was a pensioner - & yet I know such was the fact for I am acting justice of the peace in this County and repeatedly take his acknowledgement to powers of atty made to different individuals who rec d it for him and at one time did actually receive the money for him and at his request of one of the attys so appointed - his pension was uniformly paid by the Pension agent in the City of Richmond Va - Mrs Dunston is about 55 years of age and was married to Almond Dunston

subsequent to the year 1794 - she is very inform & much in the very depths of poverty - I will only add If there is one widow and but one in Va who ought to receive the benefit of the act of Congress of July 1838 that Widow I think is Mrs Durston
Please comply with the request made in the above as soon as you can
Yours very respectfully
Eawin Broadus
address
Eawin Broadus
Glenns Gloucester Co
Va
3

State of Virginia County of Gloucester ss.
On the 3 rd day of June A.D. One thousand Eight hundred and sixty seven personally appeared before me John R. Leary Clerk of the County Court in and State in County, the same being a Court of Record, Ro B. Branton advt. Alice Dunston a resident of Gloucester  Middlesex County in the State of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law, declared that he is the personal representative of Alice Dunston deceased who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at Richmond Virginia and whose pension certificate is herewith returned. That the said Alice Dunston resided since the first day of January A.D. 1861 to the 18 th day of April 1865 the time of her death, in the County of Gloucester and State of Virginia. That her means of subsistence were very limited - she being poor and entirely dependent upon her labor and livelihood. That she did not bear arms against the Government of the United States or in any manner encourage the rebels or manifest a sympathy with their cause, so far as this affiant is advised. That it is believed and admitted that her pension was last paid at Richmond up to the 11 th day of March 1865. This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension roll, so far as to enable her now at law to recover any balance which she was entitled to at the time of her death, under existing law, reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the Pension office to substantiate her original claim.
Ro B. Branton
Adm. Alice Dunston
and Wm. Haynes
Also personally appeared Wm. Siler
Resident of the County of Gloucester, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Ro B. Branton sign his name to the foregoing decla- ration, and they further swear that they were well ac- quainted with Mrs. Alice Dunston whose claim to Pension is set forth therein, that she was the identical person she

is represented to have been, and the facts therein stated they believe to be true, and they further swear that they have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
Wm his X Solon mark
Wm his X Haynes mark
The contents of this paper made known before me this 3 rd day of June A.D. 1867, and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
J. R. Cary L.G.C.
I Ro. B. Brink do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Union of the States thereunder; and that I will in like manner, abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of Slaves. So help me God.
R. B. Brink
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3 rd day of June 1867.
J. R. Cary L.G.C.
In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name as Clerk of the Court and affixed the County Seal thereof this 5 th day of June 1867 in the 91 st year of the common-wealth.
J. R. Cary L.G.C.
By
J. S. Cooke D.C.

At a Court held for Gloucester County, at the Court-house on Monday, the 3 rd day of June one thousand eight hundred and Sixty Seven,
On motion of R. B. Bristow who made oath and together with John P. Bristow his Security entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Six hundred dollars payable and conditioned as the law directs which bond is ordered to be recorded, a Certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration in due form of law in the estate of Alice Dunston deceased
In Testimony whereof that the foregoing is truly copied from the Records of the said Court I have hereunto subscribed my name as deputy Clerk of the said Court and affixed the County Seal this 5 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and Sixty Seven and in the 91 st year of the Commonwealth
M c L. Cooke D.C.

Additional Evidence
Case.
Application of the heirs of Miss Garrison dec d for Arrearage of Pension
By P l B l Smith agent
Atlanta
12

State of Virginia
County of Middlesex, S.S.
On this 28 th day of August A.D. One Thousand Eight hundred and Sixty Seven, personally appeared before me George S. Nicolson a justice of the peace for the County & State aforesaid M c L. Groom and Geo: W. Watt residents of Gloucester County in the State of Virginia who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they were well acquainted with Mrs. Alice Dunston, the widow of Almon Dunston deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, at the time of her death. That she never married after the death of the said Almon Dunston, but remained his widow up to her death. That she did not aid or sympathize with the late rebellion, but was loyal to the Government of the United States. She did not bear arms or otherwise render assistance to the forces of the so called Confederate Government. She was in very indigent circumstances, and could scarcely make out to live, being old and infirm. She had nothing to give in aid or furtherance of the Rebel cause.
We were residents of the same neighborhood and are confident that the statements herein, are substantially true.
We would further say, that we believe the present Claimants to be loyal from the following circumstances; That is William Darnel the husband of one of the heirs, left the Confederate States' Service, returned to his home, some time after the troops left Gloucester Point, and never was in in the Confederate States' Service afterwards. Was reported by the Conscript Officers as a deserter - and his wife was well acquainted with all the circumstances and yet permitted him to stay at home occasionally.
The other heir and one of the claimants, Alice Dunston left her home in Gloucester some time during the rebellion and went over to York County and there remained under the protection of the Union forces until the

Close of the war, after which she returned to, and now resides in the county of Gloucester and state of Virginia - and that we have no interest in any claim due the heirs of the said Alice Dunston deceased -
Wm S. Grooms (Seal
George W. WyattSeal
The foregoing affidavit sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 th day of August A.D. 1867 and I certify that Wm S. Grooms and Geo. W. Wyatt are credible persons, and I further certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the claim herein sought to be recovered -
Geo: L. Nicholson J.P.
State of Virginia
County of Middlesex to wit:
I Philomen T. Woodard clerk of the county court of Middlesex, in the state of Virginia do certify that George L. Nicholson whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace in & for the county aforesaid, duly commission- ed and sworn, and that his official acts as such are entitled to full faith & credit. And that the said county court is a court of record, having general juris- diction. Given under my hand and seal of office at Saluda, this 30 th day of August 1867
P.T. Woodard C

At a court held for the county of Middlesex at the Court house thereof at Saluda on Wednesday the 27 th day of February 1867
It is ordered to be certified that it has this day been proven to the satisfaction of the Court that Alice Dunston widow of Almon Dunston deceased, and a revolutionary Pensioner died intestate at the county of Gloucester in the state of Virginia on the 18 th day of April 1865 leaving the following children surviving her, to wit; Mary Ann Daniel the wife of William Daniel and Alice Dunston, that she was the identical Alice Dunston to whom an original certificate of Pension was issued on the sixteenth day of August One Thousand Eight hundred and fifty three. That she was a resident of the county of Gloucester and state of Virginia, and a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum. And the aforesaid Mary Ann Daniel and Alice Dunston are her only surviving children and only heirs at law.
A copy Teste
P. T. Woodward
State of Virginia
County of Middlesex &c:
I Philamon T. Woodward clerk of the county Court of Middlesex, in the state of Virginia, do certify that the above extract is a true copy from the records of my office. And that the said

county court is a court of record having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and seal of office at Salem this 10 th day of June, in the year 1867
P. T. Woodard C